World's Biggest Cigar Festival Begins on Feb. 27

The 14th annual Habano Cigar "Habanos" Festival is scheduled to take place between Feb. 27 and March 2, in the Cuban capital of Havana.

The five-day event will see cigar smokers from around the world (60 countries are expected) participating in the festival, which will also pay tribute to Habanos' flagship brands - Cohiba and Romeo y Julieta.

There are also a number of traditional activities and tours being lined up. These include tours of the best tobacco plantations, visits to leading factories, launch of new products, seminars, a class on cigar rolling and, of course, the chance to try out the newest and most exciting cigars.

One of the more important events at the festival will be the "Habanos in Images" contest... this year's focus will be on photography and photos that capture the culture and spirit of Habanos.

Also, the nominees for the "Habanos Prize" will be announced and a welcoming cocktail party dedicated to the Cohiba brand.

On Wednesday, Feb. 29, there will be a dinner to commemorate the 520th anniversary of the discovery of tobacco in Cuba by the Europeans.

Alejandro Robaina, Cuba's most famous tobacco planter and a legend in the cigar industry, smokes during a gala dinner held to mark the Havana Festival, which celebrates famous Cuban cigars in Havana February 29, 2008.REUTERS/Enrique De La OsaPeople buy cigars at a store in Havana during the ongoing annual Cuban cigar festival February 24, 2011.REUTERS/Desmond BoylanA worker sorts cigar leaves at the H.Upman cigar factory in Havana February 26, 2009REUTERS/Claudia DautWaiters hold food during a gala dinner marking the Havana Festival which celebrates the famous Cuban cigars in Havana February 27, 2009.REUTERS/Enrique De La OsaZudlay Napoles, representing Cuba in the International Habanosommelier contest, lights a cigar at the 10th Festival del Habano in Havana February 29, 2008.REUTERS/Claudia DautCigars ready to be packed in boxes are placed on a table at the Cohiba factory in Havana February 27, 2008. Cuban cigars are considered the world's finestREUTERS/Claudia Daut